[FRIAM] FYI: Google adds SketchUp to its toolbox

[Stephen Guerin]

Yep, the Ruby/SketchUp combo is intriguing.

One thing we're curious about is the potential for agent-based modeling.
We're particularly interested in how many agents we can get going in
realtime. Also, can you deploy a Ruby-based ABM and have end users run it
using the free version of SketchUp? I saw a couple conflicting things about
that on the Sketchup Ruby forums. There could be some technical limitations
to the free tool as well as licensing violation as the use wouldn't be
"personal use" for our clients.

I suspect one decent workflow might be quick 3D modeling in SketchUp and
then import to Blender for simulation and rendering.

-S

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Colm Toolan [mailto:subscriptions at toolan.de] 
> Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 2:59 PM
> To: 'The Friday Morning Applied Complexity Coffee Group'
> Subject: Re: [FRIAM] FYI: Google adds SketchUp to its toolbox
> 
> Probably way too basic for you guys, but just in case: 
> There's an interesting link from SketchUp Help menu to 
> something called "Ruby Help"
> 
>  
> 
> SketchUp contains a Ruby application programming interface 
> (API) for users who are familiar with (or want to learn) Ruby 
> scripting and want to extend the functionality of SketchUp. 
> This interface allows users to create macros, such as 
> automated component generators and additional tools, to be 
> included in the menus within SketchUp. In addition to the 
> API, SketchUp also includes a Ruby console, which is an 
> environment where you can experiment with Ruby commands and methods.
> 
>  
> 
> Colm Toolan, Business Architect
> 
> Germany
> 
>  
> 
> I'm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/e/fpf/126026 
> <https://www.linkedin.com/e/fpf/126026> 
> 
>  
> 
> ________________________________
> 
> From: Friam-bounces at redfish.com 
> [mailto:Friam-bounces at redfish.com] On Behalf Of Tom Johnson
> Sent: 02 May 2006 19:37
> To: Friam at redfish. com; Ver1point0 at yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [FRIAM] FYI: Google adds SketchUp to its toolbox
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> All:
> 
> "The modeling tool SketchUp has long been a favorite of 
> designers, architects, and hobbyists who have used the 
> powerful program to render 3D images of their ideas. In 
> March, search-engine giant and emerging software powerhouse 
> Google acquired SketchUp developer @Last Software. Last week, 
> Google SketchUp 
> <http://ct.download.com/clicks?t=2198460-b06f9bcf9fcfc13bd4b04
> 6b1f3cc7f67-bf&s=5&fs=0>  was quietly released to the public. 
> The program has been made completely free for personal use, 
> and it includes tools for integrating your creations with 
> Google Earth 
> <http://ct.download.com/clicks?t=2198461-b06f9bcf9fcfc13bd4b04
> 6b1f3cc7f67-bf&s=5&fs=0>  or uploading them to Google's 3D 
> Warehouse 
> <http://ct.download.com/clicks?t=2198462-b06f9bcf9fcfc13bd4b04
> 6b1f3cc7f67-bf&s=5&fs=0>  gallery. 
> 
> Google is establishing a pattern of acquiring software 
> companies and releasing free versions of their programs. As 
> with Keyhole (now Google Earth 
> <http://ct.download.com/clicks?t=2198463-b06f9bcf9fcfc13bd4b04
> 6b1f3cc7f67-bf&s=5&fs=0> ) and Picasa 
> <http://ct.download.com/clicks?t=2198464-b06f9bcf9fcfc13bd4b04
> 6b1f3cc7f67-bf&s=5&fs=0> , Google hopes to make SketchUp 
> popular with its massive Web audience. We get very cool free 
> software, and Google gains new users, loyal customers, and a 
> potential avalanche of third-party content added to Google Earth. 
> 
> It might appear at first that the free version of SketchUp 
> has been watered down, but you'll find most of its same 
> functionality in an easier-to-use interface. The creative 
> possibilities are endless, and included video tutorials will 
> get you up and modeling in no time. Not only can Google 
> SketchUp create detailed structural models, it can also be 
> used as a more general conceptual visualization tool for 
> everything from games and art projects to work flows and engineering. 
> 
> Take Google SketchUp for a spin, and let us know what you 
> think. Then see what others have to say 
> <http://ct.download.com/clicks?t=2198465-b06f9bcf9fcfc13bd4b04
> 6b1f3cc7f67-bf&s=5&fs=0>  about Google's latest software or 
> add a review of your own 
> <http://ct.download.com/clicks?t=2198466-b06f9bcf9fcfc13bd4b04
> 6b1f3cc7f67-bf&s=5&fs=0> . 
> 
> Finally, if you're a fan of CNET Download.com 
> <http://download.com/>  and are willing to back it up with an 
> Internet vote, please help support us by voting for 
> Download.com <http://download.com/>  in the Webby's People's 
> Voice 
> <http://ct.download.com/clicks?t=2198467-b06f9bcf9fcfc13bd4b04
> 6b1f3cc7f67-bf&s=5&fs=0>  competition. Voting ends this week. 
> 
> Peter Butler
> Senior Editor, CNET Download.com <http://download.com/>  
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
> --
> ==============================================
> J. T. Johnson
> Institute for Analytic Journalism
> www.analyticjournalism.com
> 505.577.6482(c)                                 505.473.9646(h)
> http://www.jtjohnson.com               tom at jtjohnson.com 
> 
> "You never change things by fighting the existing reality. 
> To change something, build a new model that makes the 
> existing model obsolete."
>                                                    -- 
> Buckminster Fuller ============================================== 
> 
>